October 02, 2013

Cowboys demanding accountability by taking players off the field; three starters have been replaced

The Cowboys have not been afraid to make lineup changes this season in an effort to but the best players on the field and demand accountability.

It started in the preseason when Cowboys coach Jason Garrett benched running back DeMarco Murray for a half after a fumble. The first four games have seen three difference players replaced in the starting lineup _ cornerback Morris Claiborne by Orlando Scandrick, safety Will Allen by J.J. Wilcox and guard Mackenzy Bernadeau by Brian Waters.

And last Sunday against the Chargers, linebacker Bruce Carter was benched in the second half after giving up two touchdown passes in pass coverage and losing confidence.

“I think we’ve always strived to make everybody feel accountable for what they’re doing around here and oftentimes competition allows you to do that better as a football coach and as a football staff,” Garrett said. “You look at the guys you have available to you and you make your best decision for your football team. And if you have guys who are competing for a spot and you can put the next guy in and he can be as good and maybe better than the guy who’s playing right now, you are more willing and able to do that. Hopefully the competition will bring out the best in both of those players who are competing for that spot and they’ll get better and you’ll consequently get better as a team.”